before you go down such expensive routes, have you disconnected all usb devices AND plugging directly into the mobo (ie not via a hub)

I haven't plugged it closer to the motherboard than into the USB inputs that exist on the four machines (most of them are laptops, which didn't even have a USB mouse or keyboard plugged in) against which the key was tested. All four tests failed, i.e. no disk device appeared after the key was plugged in. Not sure it answers your question though._________________Gentoo addict: tomorrow I quit, I promise!... Just one more emerge...
GNU/Linux user #369763

before you go down such expensive routes, have you disconnected all usb devices AND plugging directly into the mobo (ie not via a hub)

I haven't plugged it closer to the motherboard than into the USB inputs that exist on the four machines (most of them are laptops, which didn't even have a USB mouse or keyboard plugged in) against which the key was tested. All four tests failed, i.e. no disk device appeared after the key was plugged in. Not sure it answers your question though.

data recovery services can be expensive.
Personally I would look at buying an identical stick and considering popping of the flashchip (before testing out the stick w.r.t. actual current draw) but thats just me

data recovery services can be expensive.
Personally I would look at buying an identical stick and considering popping of the flashchip (before testing out the stick w.r.t. actual current draw) but thats just me

The key was opened and the electronics seems more complicated than I expected, there are many surface mounted devices on the circuit board besides the two memory chips, one on each side of the board. I am not even sure if we just remove the connector it'll be enough. That said, the company I have contacted asks between 150 and 300 euros for the recovery, which (if expensive) is still affordable. Once in a lifetime._________________Gentoo addict: tomorrow I quit, I promise!... Just one more emerge...
GNU/Linux user #369763